Calculating Work Done on Karen by Woodley Park Station Escalator

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by an escalator on a person, Karen, who has a specified mass and rides a known distance on the escalator at a given angle of inclination. The context is set within a physics framework, specifically focusing on the concepts of force, displacement, and work.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the work done by the escalator using a force diagram and the work equation. They express concern about the accuracy of their calculations and seek confirmation. Other participants engage by commenting on the accuracy of specific values used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the calculations, with one confirming the original poster's approach appears correct, while another points out a potential inaccuracy due to rounding. The discussion reflects a mix of validation and critique regarding the numerical values employed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster emphasizes the importance of accuracy in their calculations, indicating a high-stakes context for the homework assignment.

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Homework Statement


Karen has a mass of 54 kg as she rides the
up escalator at Woodley Park Station of the
Washington D.C. Metro. Karen rode a dis-
tance of 59:5 m, the longest escalator in the
free world.
The acceleration of gravity is 9:8 m=s2 :
How much work did the escalator do on
Karen if it has an inclination of 29:4±? Answer
in units of J.


Homework Equations


W=F*x*cos(theta)
where F= force, x is displacement and theta is the angle between the 2


The Attempt at a Solution


I first drew a force diagram. And used it to figure out this:
mg=529.2N
F=529.2*cos60.6=259.786N <-force of escalator
Next i plugged it into the Work equation:
the angle between the displacement and force is 0, so cos(theta)=1:
W=259.786*59.5*1=15457.28285J

is this right? I just need a confirmation, because I can't afford to get this wrong. Ty in advance
 
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looks good!
 
but using 60 instead of the exact value makes your answer inaccurate
 
60? for:
F=529.2*cos60.6=259.786N <-force of escalator
 
haha, sorry, I didn't see the .6
 

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